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Last week, I reviewed Rocketman, the biopic of Elton John. Tina reviewed a women’s fiction novel, Where the Story Starts by Imogen Clark. Jean reviewed False Value by Ben Aaronovitch, the eighth book in the Rivers of London novel, and Witch’s Business by Diana Wynne Jones.

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To celebrate Sir Elton John’s 75th birthday, today, I wanted to share some of my memories.

Piano is what made Elton John a favorite of mine. Guitars are cool, but I prefer the versatility of the piano. Plus, when I first heard Elton John, I was taking piano lessons. I was bad, but I could appreciate someone who was good.

It was Elton John songs that sent me to the dance floor, or just dancing around whatever room that I happened to be in: “Saturday Night’s Alright,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Honky Cat.” I took an aerobics dance class where we always cooled down to “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” and, to this day, I take a deep breath when I hear the beginning chords.

Much of my sense of romance showed up in Elton John songs. The man of my dreams would sing “Your Song” to me. We’d sing “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart” together.

But mostly, Elton John, was the singer of the night for me — when I was studying, reading, or getting ready for bed. He was the voice of the times when I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew that it wasn’t what I had. Elton John sang the yearning. I remember the comfort of “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” and “Candle in the Wind.”

What are your memories of Elton John?